Teaching German

Healthy Living

Can toothpaste really whiten teeth?

Almost all Hollywood stars have dazzling white teeth. How do they do it? Certainly not with a toothpaste that promises whiter teeth. And such toothpastes aren’t even particularly safe for teeth.

Whitening toothpastes attack tooth enamel. They contain ingredients that sand down deposits, which is supposed to make the teeth whiter. Instead, the teeth become increasingly rough, so pigments from coffee, tea and red wine become more easily embedded, making the teeth seem even less white. Doctors warn against the excessive use of whitening toothpastes that through their harsh abrasives attack the teeth. Good and regular dental care is considered the best way to avoid discoloring. If you want whiter teeth, only professional bleaching performed by a dentist helps. Bleaching gels for home use aren't very effective because they're allowed to contain only small concentrations of the ingredients necessary for the bleaching process. If professional bleaching isn't suitable because your anterior tooth surfaces are of varying materials - for instance, if you have crown - the only remaining option is to have veneers, ultra-thin shells of ceramic or resin, bonded to the front of your teeth. That's expensive but looks perfect.